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University of Massachusetts-Lowell vs MCPHS University

University of Massachusetts-Lowell is a public university in Lowell, MA. MCPHS University is a private university in Boston, MA. University of Massachusetts-Lowell admits about 83% of applicants and MCPHS University about 85%, making University of Massachusetts-Lowell the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $17,163 a year at University of Massachusetts-Lowell after aid, and about $39,545 at MCPHS University. About 67% of students graduate at University of Massachusetts-Lowell, compared with 63% at MCPHS University. Ten years after enrolling, MCPHS University alumni earn a median of about $125,557, against $64,874 for University of Massachusetts-Lowell.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Lowell, MA · Public

MCPHS University

Boston, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Lowell, MA
Boston, MA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
11,434
3,451
Acceptance rate
83%
85%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.43–3.93
3.42–3.92
SAT (middle 50%)
1180–1370
1160–1416
ACT (middle 50%)
25–32
26–30
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,163
$39,545
Full cost / yr
$30,786
$65,022
In-state tuition
$16,966
$40,530
Out-of-state tuition
$36,264
$40,530
Application fee
$70
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,943
$35,206
$30k - $48k
$10,199
$36,228
$48k - $75k
$12,141
$38,376
$75k - $110k
$16,460
$42,536
Over $110k
$26,139
$43,470
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
63%
Freshman retention
84%
74%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$61,467
$77,171
Median earnings (10 yr)
$64,874
$125,557
Median debt at graduation
$23,704
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
30%
30%
First-generation students
32%
30%
International students
3%
12%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 5
Nov 1
Regular decision
Feb 15
Feb 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is University of Massachusetts-Lowell or MCPHS University harder to get into?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell is harder to get into. It admits about 83% of applicants, compared with 85% at MCPHS University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Massachusetts-Lowell or MCPHS University?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,163 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $39,545 at MCPHS University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at University of Massachusetts-Lowell and MCPHS University?
Before aid, University of Massachusetts-Lowell costs about $30,786 a year and MCPHS University about $65,022. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, University of Massachusetts-Lowell or MCPHS University?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,943 there, against about $35,206 at MCPHS University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Massachusetts-Lowell or MCPHS University?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell is the larger of the two, with about 11,434 undergraduates against 3,451 at MCPHS University.
Does University of Massachusetts-Lowell or MCPHS University have a better graduation rate?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell has the higher graduation rate, at about 67% against 63% at MCPHS University.
Do graduates of University of Massachusetts-Lowell or MCPHS University earn more?
MCPHS University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $125,557 ten years after enrolling, against about $64,874 for University of Massachusetts-Lowell. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Massachusetts-Lowell and MCPHS University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. MCPHS University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Massachusetts-Lowell and MCPHS University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1180–1370 at University of Massachusetts-Lowell and 1160–1416 at MCPHS University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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